Britain presses Jordan over Abu Qatada after deportation attempt blocked
Britain has opened urgent talks with Jordan in an attempt to address the ruling by the European court of human rights last week blocking the deportation of terror suspect Abu Qatada from the UK.
The British ambassador to Jordan is pressing authorities in the country for a binding undertaking that Qatada, who is being held in Long Lartin maximum security prison in Worcestershire, would face a fair trial if he were sent back.
Monday's fresh diplomatic initiative was disclosed by the Home Office at a hearing of the special immigration appeals commission (Siac) in London to consider a joint application for habeas corpus and for bail on behalf of Qatada.
Mr Justice Mitting promised to deliver a decision on 6 February on whether Qatada should be released from custody, saying a quick verdict was essential after six-and-a-half years during which he had been held in detention or under 22-hour curfew.
full: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/23/abu-qatada-deportation-britain-jordan
